The VX-8DE APRS®/GPS/Bluetooth® Handheld Transceiver is an additional version of the VX-8R that includes not only its solid features and specifications but also new expanded APRS® capabilities to meet the needs of even the most active APRS® user. The VX-8DE has the same appearance as the VX-8R and uses the very same accessories.

Key Additonal APRS® Features of the VX-8DE compared to our VX-8R include: • Smart Beaconing ™ Function: When using APRS® for position tracking, the beacon timing is automatically adjusted to your traveling speed and location to plot a smoother trace to match your position and movement on a map.
• The number of Station List memories has increased from 40 to 50.
• The number of APRS Message memories has increased from 20 to 30.
• DIGI-PATH route indication function: The APRS® Packet data includes Digipeater routing info.
• Heads up compass display to the GPS Screen: Your traveling direction is always toward the top of the display. • The Message received LED flashing rate is selectable.
• The number of DIGI-PATH route settings is increased from 1 to 7.

Take your VX-8DR out with you wherever you go. It is waterproof 3Ft (1m) for 30 minutes. The radio is designed to meet commercial grade standards in every aspect, including its battery terminals, external microphone jack etc.

Powerful Li-Ion battery

Enjoy up to 5 hours operation on 144/440MHz, or up to 5.5 hours on 50MHz with the supplied FNB-101LI battery. The optional FNB-102LI high capacity battery will provide up to 8.5 hours operation on 144MHz, 9 hours on 50MHz, and 8 hours on 440MHz.

Large Dot Matrix Display

Measuring about 1.3"W x 0.8"H, the large LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read indication of both Main and Sub-band frequencies, operating mode, and S-meters for both bands. Display can be customized to include pictorial icons or the input voltage. Engaging the Spectrum Scope function, the high-resolution display will indicate relative signal strengths on adjacent channels up to +/-50 channels!

When using APRS® for position tracking, the beacon timing is automatically adjusted to your traveling speed and location to plot a smoother trace to match your position and movement on a map. SmartBeaconing™ from HamHUD Nichetronix is able to modify its own beacon rate in response to the motion of the vehicle that carries. Since the APRS network has limited bandwidth, SmartBeaconing™ transmits an optimal amount of position information with a minimal amount of QRM to other network users - making VX-8DR users some of the most "efficient" on the network.

Read more about this very useful feature at http://www.hamhud.net/hh2/smartbeacon.html

Optional GPS Operation

The optional GPS Antenna Unit FGPS-2, which is based on a 12-channel receiver, provides GPS data. You may display your exact current position (latitude / Longitude), heading direction, moving speed, altitude etc. The optional FGPS-2 can be attached to the radio using the microphone input jack so that you may simultaneously enjoy total Hands-Free Operation using the optional Bluetooth headset, even though your radio is attached to your backpack, belt, etc.

Dual Band AF Dual Monitor

Listen to AM or FM radio stations while monitoring two HAM frequency channels! Two independant Amateur Band Receivers will allow you to listen to your favorite AM or FM broadcast station and monitor two different amateur bands ("Band A" and "Band B") at the same time.

Bluetooth® Capabilities

The Bluetooth® capabilities widely know and utilized among users and enthusiasts of our VX-8R, FTM-10R/SR and FTM-350R radios, are also available with the VX-8DR. The optional Bluetooth® Unit BU-1 makes it possible to operate hands-free with the optional water Bluetooth® headset BH-1A (stereo) or BH-2A (monaural). Also enjoy your favorite FM broadcasts in stereo with the optional Bluetooth stereo headset (BH-1A) and earphone (FEP-1)!

Heads-Up Compass Display on the GPS Screen

Your traveling direction is always toward the top of the display.

DIGI-PATH Route Indication Function

The APRS® Packet data includes Digipeater routing information.

Real Dual Ham Band Operation (V+V/U+U/V+U)

With two independant Amateur band recievers, listen to either the same or different bands simultaneously.